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The Mannies #4
A Fool and His Manny
Seeing the truth and falling in love.
Dustin Robbins-Grayson was a surly adolescent when Quinlan Gregory started the nanny gig. After a rocky start, he grew into Quinlan’s friend and confidant—and a damned sexy man.
At twenty-one, Dusty sees how Quinlan sacrificed his own life and desires to care for Dusty’s family. He’s ready to claim Quinlan—he’s never met a kinder, more capable, more lovable man. Or a lonelier one. Quinlan has spent his life as the stranger on the edge of the photograph, but Dusty wants Quinlan to be the center of his world. First he has to convince Quinlan he’s an adult, their love is real, and Quinlan can be more than a friend and caregiver. Can he show Quin that he deserves to be both a man and a lover, and that in Dusty’s eyes, he’s never been “just the manny?”
Dustin Robbins-Grayson was a surly adolescent when Quinlan Gregory started the nanny gig. After a rocky start, he grew into Quinlan’s friend and confidant—and a damned sexy man.
At twenty-one, Dusty sees how Quinlan sacrificed his own life and desires to care for Dusty’s family. He’s ready to claim Quinlan—he’s never met a kinder, more capable, more lovable man. Or a lonelier one. Quinlan has spent his life as the stranger on the edge of the photograph, but Dusty wants Quinlan to be the center of his world. First he has to convince Quinlan he’s an adult, their love is real, and Quinlan can be more than a friend and caregiver. Can he show Quin that he deserves to be both a man and a lover, and that in Dusty’s eyes, he’s never been “just the manny?”
216 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 17, 2018
About the author
Amy Lane
220 books3,517 followersAmy Lane dodges an EDJ, mothers four children, and writes the occasional book. She, her brood, and her beloved mate, Mack, live in a crumbling mortgage in Citrus Heights, California, which is riddled with spiders, cats, and more than its share of fancy and weirdness. Feel free to visit her at www.greenshill.com orwww.writerslane.blogspot.com, where she will ride the buzz of receiving your e-mail until her head swells and she can no longer leave the house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
June 6, 2018
~4.5~
OMG, I'm MELTING from all the sunshine.
A Fool and His Manny is the sweetest story, with the hottest sex scenes I've read in a while. When Dustin and Quinlan come together, it's intense and dirty and all consuming. And HAWT, so goddamnfucking hot, I can't even.
Let's get this out of the way: This book cannot be read as a standalone. To understand the dynamics of this crazy, wonderful family, you need to start with Channing and Tino in book 1; at the very least, you have to read Sammy and Cooper's story in book 3.
Thus far, The Mannies series spans some twenty years. Since Tino and Channing were married in the first book, it must have been at least 2008 (the book is set in California, and that's the year same-sex marriage became legal in that state), which means this book is set circa 2028.
In the hands of a less experienced author, the comingling of decades could have been a disaster, but Amy Lane keeps her stories timeless. There are some references to cars and cell phones, but it's all vague enough to be believable. Nothing stands out as archaic or, heaven forbid, futuristic.
It's just the world as we know it. After all, family, laughter, love, tears—these things are immutable.
Quinlan is Sammy's friend from book 3. He's the one who caught Sammy when Sammy collapsed on tour. Thanks to Sammy, Quinlan becomes the manny for Nica and Jacob's six children, the oldest being Dustin, who is 14 when Quin takes over childcare duties.
Dustin is a surly teenager with a chip on his shoulder, but Quin earns his respect, and at age 18, Dusty decides Quin is his one and only.
This book has a few flashbacks, which I actually liked because they showed the beginning of Dustin and Quin's relationship and allowed us to catch up with the other MCs.
Most of the story, however, is set in the present with Dustin claiming Quin and Quin giving in to the inevitable. Quin can't deny that he doesn't see Dusty as a kid any longer. Dustin is all man, and he knows what he wants.
We get a good dose of hurt/comfort as Quin falls ill with dysentery and Dustin nurses him back to health. Quin's nasty bitch of a biological mother also makes an appearance, wanting Quin to sign some legal paperwork and essentially give up his rights to his deceased father's financial assets. But she picked the wrong family to mess with. The Robbins-Graysons do not suffer fools gladly.
The scene at the end in the lawyer's office with 30 people, kids and all, squeezed into a conference room had me beaming. Because, man, to have all those people in your corner ... that's what life is all about.
A Fool and His Manny asks you to believe in a world where all children are loved and wanted, all marriages are happy, all parents have unlimited patience, everyone loves babies, money is never an issue because Uncles Channing and Uncle Tino rule the world, and a HEA is not just a thing. It's the ONLY thing.
That is not my world, but it is the reason I read romance.
OMG, I'm MELTING from all the sunshine.
A Fool and His Manny is the sweetest story, with the hottest sex scenes I've read in a while. When Dustin and Quinlan come together, it's intense and dirty and all consuming. And HAWT, so goddamnfucking hot, I can't even.
Let's get this out of the way: This book cannot be read as a standalone. To understand the dynamics of this crazy, wonderful family, you need to start with Channing and Tino in book 1; at the very least, you have to read Sammy and Cooper's story in book 3.
Thus far, The Mannies series spans some twenty years. Since Tino and Channing were married in the first book, it must have been at least 2008 (the book is set in California, and that's the year same-sex marriage became legal in that state), which means this book is set circa 2028.
In the hands of a less experienced author, the comingling of decades could have been a disaster, but Amy Lane keeps her stories timeless. There are some references to cars and cell phones, but it's all vague enough to be believable. Nothing stands out as archaic or, heaven forbid, futuristic.
It's just the world as we know it. After all, family, laughter, love, tears—these things are immutable.
Quinlan is Sammy's friend from book 3. He's the one who caught Sammy when Sammy collapsed on tour. Thanks to Sammy, Quinlan becomes the manny for Nica and Jacob's six children, the oldest being Dustin, who is 14 when Quin takes over childcare duties.
Dustin is a surly teenager with a chip on his shoulder, but Quin earns his respect, and at age 18, Dusty decides Quin is his one and only.
Quinlan trembled in Dustin's arms because he was a man to tremble for - not a boy who would toy with his heart.
This book has a few flashbacks, which I actually liked because they showed the beginning of Dustin and Quin's relationship and allowed us to catch up with the other MCs.
Most of the story, however, is set in the present with Dustin claiming Quin and Quin giving in to the inevitable. Quin can't deny that he doesn't see Dusty as a kid any longer. Dustin is all man, and he knows what he wants.
We get a good dose of hurt/comfort as Quin falls ill with dysentery and Dustin nurses him back to health. Quin's nasty bitch of a biological mother also makes an appearance, wanting Quin to sign some legal paperwork and essentially give up his rights to his deceased father's financial assets. But she picked the wrong family to mess with. The Robbins-Graysons do not suffer fools gladly.
The scene at the end in the lawyer's office with 30 people, kids and all, squeezed into a conference room had me beaming. Because, man, to have all those people in your corner ... that's what life is all about.
A Fool and His Manny asks you to believe in a world where all children are loved and wanted, all marriages are happy, all parents have unlimited patience, everyone loves babies, money is never an issue because Uncles Channing and Uncle Tino rule the world, and a HEA is not just a thing. It's the ONLY thing.
That is not my world, but it is the reason I read romance.
June 9, 2018
Awwwww. Well, wasn't that just goddamned adorable!
As the story began, Quinlan was 27 and Dustin was 21, but Quin had been the manny from the time that Dusty was 14. So yeah, his attraction to the younger man made him feel a bit squeamish.
But Dusty actually took the time to court Quin, while he was on the road, touring for two summer months, slowly convincing Quin that Dusty was no longer a boy, but a full-grown man. Maybe even his man.
We get to know Quin and Dusty much better over the course of the story through a series of flashbacks, starting when Quin was 20, still had a crush on Sammy, and the kids were still sort of mourning their loss of Taylor as their manny.
And Dusty was still a surly, fourteen-year-old asshole. Or so we were told. I could've used a few more extreme, on-page examples of his bad attitude to be honest, though, to have more fully convinced me. One fight and some smoking does not a would-be juvenile delinquent make. : (
But toward the end of the tour, after Quin had kinda-sorta decided to give Dusty a chance, he limped home very ill, and Dusty nursed him back to health. That's when major forward movement in their relationship finally took off.
Dusty may haveve been a bit of a prickly bitch to everyone else, but he and Quin had a bond, so after a short "God, I hate that guy" phase at the beginning, Dusty was never anything but kind and attentive to Quin.
This story was truly packed with all the feels, but not just feelings between Quin and Dusty. This was a story about healing. And family. And learning to fully accept the love your people are freely *trying* their best to give you.
There was some steam and sex, but not enough to consume the story. Mainly just enough to tease and tantalize.
Amy also managed to slip in a bit of extra angst regarding the abrupt and not-so-sweet return of Quin's wealthy, conniving, and uncaring mother. And sweet baby Jesus, I would have killed to be a fly on the wall during that attorney's meeting.
Both Nica and Jacob played a larger role in this book than in previous stories, and I loved every minute of their on-page presence.
I would caution potential readers that THIS IS NOT A STANDALONE BOOK. Not if you wish to fully enjoy it and all of the (many) relationship nuances found here. At a very minimum, I believe that you'd need to read books 1 and 3 for the majority of those small connections to fall into place.
The three previous books all rated 4 stars for me, but this one was a solid 4.5 stars, taking its place as my favorite in the series (so far?)
I'd still love to see a few more books in Amy's Mannies universe, but if this was the last one, I've been very happy with the series.
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My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
See All My Latest Reads (Review Quick-Links)
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As the story began, Quinlan was 27 and Dustin was 21, but Quin had been the manny from the time that Dusty was 14. So yeah, his attraction to the younger man made him feel a bit squeamish.
But Dusty actually took the time to court Quin, while he was on the road, touring for two summer months, slowly convincing Quin that Dusty was no longer a boy, but a full-grown man. Maybe even his man.
We get to know Quin and Dusty much better over the course of the story through a series of flashbacks, starting when Quin was 20, still had a crush on Sammy, and the kids were still sort of mourning their loss of Taylor as their manny.
And Dusty was still a surly, fourteen-year-old asshole. Or so we were told. I could've used a few more extreme, on-page examples of his bad attitude to be honest, though, to have more fully convinced me. One fight and some smoking does not a would-be juvenile delinquent make. : (
But toward the end of the tour, after Quin had kinda-sorta decided to give Dusty a chance, he limped home very ill, and Dusty nursed him back to health. That's when major forward movement in their relationship finally took off.
Dusty may haveve been a bit of a prickly bitch to everyone else, but he and Quin had a bond, so after a short "God, I hate that guy" phase at the beginning, Dusty was never anything but kind and attentive to Quin.
Oh dear God. He would die for Quinlan Gregory.And the scene where Quin finally won the hard-hearted Dusty over was motherfucking *EVERYTHING*.
This story was truly packed with all the feels, but not just feelings between Quin and Dusty. This was a story about healing. And family. And learning to fully accept the love your people are freely *trying* their best to give you.
There was some steam and sex, but not enough to consume the story. Mainly just enough to tease and tantalize.
Amy also managed to slip in a bit of extra angst regarding the abrupt and not-so-sweet return of Quin's wealthy, conniving, and uncaring mother. And sweet baby Jesus, I would have killed to be a fly on the wall during that attorney's meeting.
Nica took a deep cleansing breath, and Quinlan could hear her whispering “I will not judge, I will not judge, I will not judge” under her breath.
Both Nica and Jacob played a larger role in this book than in previous stories, and I loved every minute of their on-page presence.
I would caution potential readers that THIS IS NOT A STANDALONE BOOK. Not if you wish to fully enjoy it and all of the (many) relationship nuances found here. At a very minimum, I believe that you'd need to read books 1 and 3 for the majority of those small connections to fall into place.
The three previous books all rated 4 stars for me, but this one was a solid 4.5 stars, taking its place as my favorite in the series (so far?)
I'd still love to see a few more books in Amy's Mannies universe, but if this was the last one, I've been very happy with the series.
-----------------------------------------------
My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
See All My Latest Reads (Review Quick-Links)
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June 17, 2020
A Fool and His Manny by Amy Lane
The Mannies, book 4. M-M contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. I didn’t read the previous so while I was able to follow the story and characters. There were several “4 years ago”, “2 years ago” passages at the beginning that gave the reader enough background to understand the dynamics of family and the relationship and age closeness of Dustin and Quinlan.
A delightful romance that focuses on family. On support. On being there. I was definitely crying sentimental tears at the end when it was made so clear that family is everything. And love makes it that much richer.
The story includes a love that was growing for years and finally comes to fruition. And fair warning, it gets hot, steamy and sexy between Dustin and Quinlan.
A deeply satisfying and touching romance.
The Mannies, book 4. M-M contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. I didn’t read the previous so while I was able to follow the story and characters. There were several “4 years ago”, “2 years ago” passages at the beginning that gave the reader enough background to understand the dynamics of family and the relationship and age closeness of Dustin and Quinlan.
A delightful romance that focuses on family. On support. On being there. I was definitely crying sentimental tears at the end when it was made so clear that family is everything. And love makes it that much richer.
The story includes a love that was growing for years and finally comes to fruition. And fair warning, it gets hot, steamy and sexy between Dustin and Quinlan.
A deeply satisfying and touching romance.
May 12, 2020
Kinda done with this author after this book. First book I read by her, more recent, was a 5 star (rounded up). But this compares as a much more amateurish book, which was not helped by the cover (don't like it) and the price tag (paid $ vs. KU). Even the title is kinda strange for the content. Yes there's a manny, but I don't see how Dusty is a "fool."
I really don't like paying for books I will not re-read. And I won't be re-reading this.
So it's like this: Dustin is the eldest son of this family with like 8 kids. Quinlan is the manny who's been taking care of Dusty and the rest since D was 14, so 7 years.
Quin is 27 or 28 and Dusty is 21 now. Older man/ manny, and his love interest, younger man/ rebellious teenager turned alpha male.
It was kinda strange and hard to believe. That Quin is in SUCH a missish role. That Dusty is the take charge alpha, that both are virgins (essentially), and finally come together after Quin's illness brought them closer in an accelerated fashion.
That's about it. And some family drama, most of which I skipped bc honestly didn't care and didn't do all that much to the story between the MCs.
Done with the author for now. Not terribly happy.
I really don't like paying for books I will not re-read. And I won't be re-reading this.
So it's like this: Dustin is the eldest son of this family with like 8 kids. Quinlan is the manny who's been taking care of Dusty and the rest since D was 14, so 7 years.
Quin is 27 or 28 and Dusty is 21 now. Older man/ manny, and his love interest, younger man/ rebellious teenager turned alpha male.
It was kinda strange and hard to believe. That Quin is in SUCH a missish role. That Dusty is the take charge alpha, that both are virgins (essentially), and finally come together after Quin's illness brought them closer in an accelerated fashion.
That's about it. And some family drama, most of which I skipped bc honestly didn't care and didn't do all that much to the story between the MCs.
Done with the author for now. Not terribly happy.
May 6, 2019
This was a perfectly sweet and nice book, with a drama free story, lots of love, a great family, everything I really like in my romance books.
Still, I must admit, for me this was rather meh than wow.
It's hard to explain and I couldn't exactly name what was missing, but I didn't really feel the connection to those guys.
Quinlan works as a manny for a family with 6 kids and when the story begins, he has been doing so for 7 years. Dustin, the oldest is already 21 and in love with Quinlan, who still sees him as a little boy.
In the following chapters we learn, how Quinlan was thrown out by his own family and came to live with Dustin and his siblings.
The family, with friends, grandparents, cousins, uncles etc. is huge and it can sometimes be difficult to remember and understand who is who in this clan.
There is a lot to like in this story and reading how Quinlan cared for the kids, or how the family cared for each other was really beautiful, so don't get me wrong, I don't think this was terrible, my complaint is, that for me, it dragged and it didn't suck me in, like Amy Lane books usually do.
So, overall this was an okay read and a 3 star book for me.
Still, I must admit, for me this was rather meh than wow.
It's hard to explain and I couldn't exactly name what was missing, but I didn't really feel the connection to those guys.
Quinlan works as a manny for a family with 6 kids and when the story begins, he has been doing so for 7 years. Dustin, the oldest is already 21 and in love with Quinlan, who still sees him as a little boy.
In the following chapters we learn, how Quinlan was thrown out by his own family and came to live with Dustin and his siblings.
The family, with friends, grandparents, cousins, uncles etc. is huge and it can sometimes be difficult to remember and understand who is who in this clan.
There is a lot to like in this story and reading how Quinlan cared for the kids, or how the family cared for each other was really beautiful, so don't get me wrong, I don't think this was terrible, my complaint is, that for me, it dragged and it didn't suck me in, like Amy Lane books usually do.
So, overall this was an okay read and a 3 star book for me.
May 17, 2022
This was a 4.5 star read for me.
So much fluff & pure love. No conflicts (at least within the leads' relationship), just love and healing. I needed something to cheer me up - because, life, y'know? - and I picked this up not knowing what I was in for. Gosh, it was as close to perfect. I am now a pile of good and more cheerful than I was before I picked up this book.
We have the leads -
Q - the Manny who has looked after Nica & Jacob's six kids for seven years.
Dustin - their oldest son is 7 years younger than Q when Q first begins Manny-ing.
Years later, Q is 27 and still looking after the remaining kids while also pursuing his doctorate and playing music. Dustin is 21 and working with his father at their garage...and Dustin is no snarky teen any more. Oho, no. He is all alpha male but the good sort of alpha - born in a close-knit family and with all the right family values down pat, and he is determined to show the lonely Q that - even if he doesn't want it or isn't ready for it - he belongs with Dustin and his family. And Q wants it all right. But his crappy childhood has been and continues to be a huge roadblock for him.
It is lovely to see him change and allow himself to be loved, and it was a treat to see Dustin loving him. I have to say, this book had one of the best found families I have had the pleasure to read. I loved them all, down to the tiniest baby.
Fluff and clouds, folks! Loved it.
So much fluff & pure love. No conflicts (at least within the leads' relationship), just love and healing. I needed something to cheer me up - because, life, y'know? - and I picked this up not knowing what I was in for. Gosh, it was as close to perfect. I am now a pile of good and more cheerful than I was before I picked up this book.
We have the leads -
Q - the Manny who has looked after Nica & Jacob's six kids for seven years.
Dustin - their oldest son is 7 years younger than Q when Q first begins Manny-ing.
Years later, Q is 27 and still looking after the remaining kids while also pursuing his doctorate and playing music. Dustin is 21 and working with his father at their garage...and Dustin is no snarky teen any more. Oho, no. He is all alpha male but the good sort of alpha - born in a close-knit family and with all the right family values down pat, and he is determined to show the lonely Q that - even if he doesn't want it or isn't ready for it - he belongs with Dustin and his family. And Q wants it all right. But his crappy childhood has been and continues to be a huge roadblock for him.
It is lovely to see him change and allow himself to be loved, and it was a treat to see Dustin loving him. I have to say, this book had one of the best found families I have had the pleasure to read. I loved them all, down to the tiniest baby.
Fluff and clouds, folks! Loved it.
March 22, 2019
This one is sweet, warm, with just that little hook of poignancy that Amy Lane gets into her lighter stories. Dusty is young, but confident and he knows what he wants. Quinlan is a sweetheart who has no idea of his own worth. He's shy and a bit lost and doesn't see when people care about him. Watching them find each other is like a warm blanket on a cold day. A very good comfort-read.
July 19, 2018
What a sweet and very tame book for Ms. Lane. I usually go into her books KNOWING I’m getting into some shit, but this was sweet and perfect. It’s about family, and learning that blood does not make the family. Love does.
A great read for the light and loving mood.
A great read for the light and loving mood.
May 5, 2019
My thoughts on this one are all over the place. The author avoids the obvious squirky pitfall by having "the kid" (now a grown adult) pursuing the family manny, and said manny has obvious reservations about starting a relationship with his former charge - even if he's all grown up and there's an attraction. There's a sweetness to the romance given the manny's baggage and the family dynamic is pretty awesome to read about. M/M does not have the greatest history with female characters, but the mother (the manny's boss) is downright full-blown mama bear awesome-sauce.
What didn't work? This is book four in a series and there's eleventy billion characters on the page. This would be OK (possibly?) if the book wasn't a short contemporary - as in just over 200 pages. Also, the characterizations of the main couple are all over the place. They seem to shift to dictate where the story is going. Quinlan the Manny (especially) seems to flit between understanding protector to emotional mess loner depending on which way the wind is blowing. Dustin goes from snotty kid to Fierce Alpha Boss around Quinlan - mostly because that's what the eventual sex scenes dictate. And speaking of the sex scenes - they don't fit the tone of this story. Look, I get this is what the romance publishing environment seems to be dictating right now - but given Quinlan's baggage and both characters' relative lack of experience - I don't know, I expected Dustin's character (especially) to exhibit some doubts or second guessing. There's some of that on Quinlan's end but Dustin goes charging in like a Harlequin Presents hero and....it didn't gel for me.
Things descend a bit too far into melodrama for me at the end, but by that point I was really swept up in the family dynamic and couldn't read fast enough. The parts didn't add up to a whole for me, but the parts I did like, I really liked.
Probably a C+/B- read for me. I'm waffling.
What didn't work? This is book four in a series and there's eleventy billion characters on the page. This would be OK (possibly?) if the book wasn't a short contemporary - as in just over 200 pages. Also, the characterizations of the main couple are all over the place. They seem to shift to dictate where the story is going. Quinlan the Manny (especially) seems to flit between understanding protector to emotional mess loner depending on which way the wind is blowing. Dustin goes from snotty kid to Fierce Alpha Boss around Quinlan - mostly because that's what the eventual sex scenes dictate. And speaking of the sex scenes - they don't fit the tone of this story. Look, I get this is what the romance publishing environment seems to be dictating right now - but given Quinlan's baggage and both characters' relative lack of experience - I don't know, I expected Dustin's character (especially) to exhibit some doubts or second guessing. There's some of that on Quinlan's end but Dustin goes charging in like a Harlequin Presents hero and....it didn't gel for me.
Things descend a bit too far into melodrama for me at the end, but by that point I was really swept up in the family dynamic and couldn't read fast enough. The parts didn't add up to a whole for me, but the parts I did like, I really liked.
Probably a C+/B- read for me. I'm waffling.
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April 27, 20185 Hearts
Back when I read Stand by Your Manny and realized that sweet Quinlan who crushed on Sammy was being paired with the oldest of the Robbins-Grayson children and the bratty, Dustin I was ready. I had the thought of “I can’t wait for the next book…Dustin and Quin??? Really? Bring it on, Amy Lane. Bring it on.” And that thought actually got a response from Amy Lane herself warning me that Dustin and Quin would break me in the sweetest ways and OMG was she every right! This book one hell of a helping of hurt/comfort and I am wiping my chin from my meal. Good lord. This was so good.
Real quick: this is listed 4th in The Mannies series and if you don’t want to be confused on who everyone is, you might wanna catch up if you haven’t already. The Lowell-Robbins-Robbins-Grayson clan is pretty damn big but it’s a fantastic read seeing how this family comes together.
I love the way this is told! We get a bit of an awkward situation as Quinlan comes home to his apartment to a Dustin in his bed living out one of Quin’s dirtiest fantasies. It just sucks that Quin is so sick, having picked up a bug while on his last summer tour and incapable of walking, let alone being productive with Dustin. This gives a chance for us to know something has happened between these two which needs to be settled and with a turn of a page, we are seven years into the past where Quinlan and Dustin meet.
Dustin is the oldest child of Nica and Jacob Robbins-Grayson. He’s always been the kid who was known for getting into trouble. He’s also the kid who gets carrot cake for his birthday though he hates it and we finally learn why in this book. But Dusty, for all his rough edges he presents has a soft side when it comes to his family and those he claims as family. In the beginning, when he first meets Quinlan, he’s coming from a place of grief having Taylor leaving as their manny to move in with Brandon and this family doesn’t like to see the ones they love go. Granted, Taylor and Brandon aren’t going far. But the kids have grown to love Taylor and this is an adjustment. So, of course, 14 year old Dustin is a brat to 20 year old Quin, who just wants to be part of a family, but doesn’t know how to get one.
Quinlan… we met him in Sammy and Cooper’s book and I adored him. I thought I would love his story but I had no idea how much or how much it would break my heart. Quin is a fantastic, but guarded young man, who never ate dinner with the family he cared for because he didn’t think he was wanted. And yet, all it took was an invite from a young Dustin who needed the support of the man who now meant more to him than any of the mannies before.
I absolutely love that Quin and Dusty have a discussion about crushes and that they bond over their shared crush of Sammy. It was just too stinking cute to not tuck away in my memory but that discussion was more than just about crushes; it gave Dustin the courage to come out to his family and it gave Dustin an insight to how Quinlan needed to be loved. It’s a damn good thing Dustin stored that insight away in his Quin files preparing to use them when he thought Quin would be ready.
These two made me smile, made me laugh, they made me ache and they made me so stupidly happy. I love every damn thing they went through because it brought them closer together and really allowed Quinlan to see how much he is loved and not just by Dustin. You see, there is a running theme with this series and it’s one of unconditional love of family. The family that Quinlan walked away from doesn’t and didn’t deserve him and it was fate that he was asked to care for “Sammy’s family” because that is where he belongs. I have to say, I would love the have been in that crowded room to hear Conroy’s speech… Nica and Jacob raised some amazing kids!
Speaking of Sammy’s family, of course they are involved in this, as Quinlan takes care of Jacob and Nica’s kids; seeing them on page more was a pure delight. Nica is fierce and protective of all her kids and my mother’s heart hurt along with hers as she wants nothing more than to take care of Quin and have him feel how much she loved him. Of course, there is comedy with this family and I wouldn’t expect anything less and it’s a full package once you are in these pages; laughs, tears, triumphs, setbacks and family pictures where no one is on the edge.
I just want to hug this book, so I can hug everyone in it. I can’t believe the angst bit with Sammy Lane put me through, but I get how it belonged in Quinlan’s story arc. I can’t believe what shitty parents Quinlan had but I love that he was on the take me or watch me go path when he came out and made himself into the amazing man he is today. I love that Dustin knew at eighteen that Quinlan was everything to him and that he waited so he wouldn’t spook the love of his life with his intense feelings. I love the freaking crazy cats, I love that the boys peed in bushes because they didn’t want to dry off and go into the house when they were young, I love Nica not judging and I love Channing and Tino going balls to the wall business when it comes to protecting Quinlan.
But what I love most of all is Quin accepting that Dustin isn’t a boy he used to take care of, but a man he’s watched grow up and one he has fallen head over heels for. Their romance was super swoony from the first kiss to selfies on the road to Quinlan not getting the question being asked. They are amazing together and this whole series give me hope and joy in a current world where the day to day can be pretty dark.
Back when I read Stand by Your Manny and realized that sweet Quinlan who crushed on Sammy was being paired with the oldest of the Robbins-Grayson children and the bratty, Dustin I was ready. I had the thought of “I can’t wait for the next book…Dustin and Quin??? Really? Bring it on, Amy Lane. Bring it on.” And that thought actually got a response from Amy Lane herself warning me that Dustin and Quin would break me in the sweetest ways and OMG was she every right! This book one hell of a helping of hurt/comfort and I am wiping my chin from my meal. Good lord. This was so good.
Real quick: this is listed 4th in The Mannies series and if you don’t want to be confused on who everyone is, you might wanna catch up if you haven’t already. The Lowell-Robbins-Robbins-Grayson clan is pretty damn big but it’s a fantastic read seeing how this family comes together.
I love the way this is told! We get a bit of an awkward situation as Quinlan comes home to his apartment to a Dustin in his bed living out one of Quin’s dirtiest fantasies. It just sucks that Quin is so sick, having picked up a bug while on his last summer tour and incapable of walking, let alone being productive with Dustin. This gives a chance for us to know something has happened between these two which needs to be settled and with a turn of a page, we are seven years into the past where Quinlan and Dustin meet.
Dustin is the oldest child of Nica and Jacob Robbins-Grayson. He’s always been the kid who was known for getting into trouble. He’s also the kid who gets carrot cake for his birthday though he hates it and we finally learn why in this book. But Dusty, for all his rough edges he presents has a soft side when it comes to his family and those he claims as family. In the beginning, when he first meets Quinlan, he’s coming from a place of grief having Taylor leaving as their manny to move in with Brandon and this family doesn’t like to see the ones they love go. Granted, Taylor and Brandon aren’t going far. But the kids have grown to love Taylor and this is an adjustment. So, of course, 14 year old Dustin is a brat to 20 year old Quin, who just wants to be part of a family, but doesn’t know how to get one.
Quinlan… we met him in Sammy and Cooper’s book and I adored him. I thought I would love his story but I had no idea how much or how much it would break my heart. Quin is a fantastic, but guarded young man, who never ate dinner with the family he cared for because he didn’t think he was wanted. And yet, all it took was an invite from a young Dustin who needed the support of the man who now meant more to him than any of the mannies before.
I absolutely love that Quin and Dusty have a discussion about crushes and that they bond over their shared crush of Sammy. It was just too stinking cute to not tuck away in my memory but that discussion was more than just about crushes; it gave Dustin the courage to come out to his family and it gave Dustin an insight to how Quinlan needed to be loved. It’s a damn good thing Dustin stored that insight away in his Quin files preparing to use them when he thought Quin would be ready.
These two made me smile, made me laugh, they made me ache and they made me so stupidly happy. I love every damn thing they went through because it brought them closer together and really allowed Quinlan to see how much he is loved and not just by Dustin. You see, there is a running theme with this series and it’s one of unconditional love of family. The family that Quinlan walked away from doesn’t and didn’t deserve him and it was fate that he was asked to care for “Sammy’s family” because that is where he belongs. I have to say, I would love the have been in that crowded room to hear Conroy’s speech… Nica and Jacob raised some amazing kids!
Speaking of Sammy’s family, of course they are involved in this, as Quinlan takes care of Jacob and Nica’s kids; seeing them on page more was a pure delight. Nica is fierce and protective of all her kids and my mother’s heart hurt along with hers as she wants nothing more than to take care of Quin and have him feel how much she loved him. Of course, there is comedy with this family and I wouldn’t expect anything less and it’s a full package once you are in these pages; laughs, tears, triumphs, setbacks and family pictures where no one is on the edge.
I just want to hug this book, so I can hug everyone in it. I can’t believe the angst bit with Sammy Lane put me through, but I get how it belonged in Quinlan’s story arc. I can’t believe what shitty parents Quinlan had but I love that he was on the take me or watch me go path when he came out and made himself into the amazing man he is today. I love that Dustin knew at eighteen that Quinlan was everything to him and that he waited so he wouldn’t spook the love of his life with his intense feelings. I love the freaking crazy cats, I love that the boys peed in bushes because they didn’t want to dry off and go into the house when they were young, I love Nica not judging and I love Channing and Tino going balls to the wall business when it comes to protecting Quinlan.
But what I love most of all is Quin accepting that Dustin isn’t a boy he used to take care of, but a man he’s watched grow up and one he has fallen head over heels for. Their romance was super swoony from the first kiss to selfies on the road to Quinlan not getting the question being asked. They are amazing together and this whole series give me hope and joy in a current world where the day to day can be pretty dark.
October 20, 2020
I listened to this as an audiobook. It is narrated by Kenneth Obi. He does an excellent job. This book is low angst, but full of feelings. It is the fourth book in this series, but I had no problem reading it without having read the previous books.
February 21, 2022
I was so confused at the start of this one, all the flashbacks... ??? Ugh.
Cute family drama, hurt/comfort, etc. It was fine.
Nice performance by Kenneth Obi on the audio version.
Cute family drama, hurt/comfort, etc. It was fine.
Nice performance by Kenneth Obi on the audio version.
February 4, 2019
Rating:4.5 stars
Review at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.
ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Review at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.
ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2018
WOW, this book was simply AMAZING, but it was also heart breaking. I had to hold my hand to my chest to keep my heart either in place or intact.. Quin and Dustin broke my heart time and time again, mostly Quin. Sad, lonely, quiet Quinlan who is all alone in the world even when he is surrounded by the family he wished was his (and little by little BECAME his).
The Robbins-Graysons have A LOT of kids, 6 to be exact. we've met all of them before in the previous installments. Truth being said, I'm not a fan of kids in books but it this series it somehow works though I feel like if I was actually THERE I would get dizzy in one second and just collapse. I think that's what Quinlan Gregory thought when he saw the lot of them at a family wedding he was invited to by his friend Sammy. Sammy thought maybe Quin would consider being the manny now that the "old one" is getting married.. At first Quin was terrified, but somehow he thought staying so close to Sammy, one of the few people in his life, would be a good idea so he stays though he keeps mostly to himself and doesn't truly "mingle" with the family. He doesn't feel like he has a place in one. It didn't work with HIS family, so he won't even think of taking this one for his own, though in his heart it's all he can wish for.
As the years go by, Quin DOES become, little by little, a part of the family and he is content at that. Not looking for anything more. He doesn't need a partner or anyone really as long as he is a part of the Robbins-Grayson clan (including Sammy with his half-siblings). Yet as Dustin Robbins-Grayson, the older of the kids, looks, truly looks at the family photos he sees that though everyone considers Quin family, he always stand to the side and Dustin can't have it anymore. He isn't 14 years old. He is 18 now, and as 3 more years pass, he realizes NOW is the time to CLAIM his Quin, the one he has been longing for ever since he realized just HOW important Quin is to him, and not just as a role model, but also as a friend, a confidant, and hopefully one day his lover.
The story begins with Quin coming home sick after his regular summer tour with his two musician friends. He is surprised to find Dustin at his apartment but first things first - getting better. Dustin makes it his utmost priority as well as the rest of the family and Quin is in tears every time he sees their tender caring behavior towards him. His family has abandoned him with no second thoughts. This one is making him feel so welcome in a way his heart can barely stand.
Then we go back a little bit in time and SEE for ourselves how Quin integrated himself into the family. He is SUCH a precious person and after learning about his past, and seeing him through Dustin's eyes I was too left in tears.
When we near the end of our "tour-de-past" and get back right before Quin gets to his tour we see Dustin getting in Quin's face and saying in the clearest way possible - You are mine. MINE. Quin doesn't know how to react but wanting Dustin and everything he has to offer him - unconditional love - slowly breaks his walls down and soon without Quin knowing how it happened (yeah he was sick in the beginning..) they become a real couple. Inseparable. That's when Quin needs to deal with his past. Lucky him, now, unlike when he left all those years ago, he is surrounded by a new loving family who is NOT going to give him up or let anything happen to him.
I can write for HOURS about this book. It was SO SO SO beautiful. I HIGHLY recommend it. "Sadly" I can't truly recommend it on it's own because with the amount of characters you'd simply get lost.. So do yourselves a favor and start with the first in the series and enjoy your way up to the very last (for now) which is also, in my opinion, the very best.
HIGHLY recommended!
More Reviews HERE
The Robbins-Graysons have A LOT of kids, 6 to be exact. we've met all of them before in the previous installments. Truth being said, I'm not a fan of kids in books but it this series it somehow works though I feel like if I was actually THERE I would get dizzy in one second and just collapse. I think that's what Quinlan Gregory thought when he saw the lot of them at a family wedding he was invited to by his friend Sammy. Sammy thought maybe Quin would consider being the manny now that the "old one" is getting married.. At first Quin was terrified, but somehow he thought staying so close to Sammy, one of the few people in his life, would be a good idea so he stays though he keeps mostly to himself and doesn't truly "mingle" with the family. He doesn't feel like he has a place in one. It didn't work with HIS family, so he won't even think of taking this one for his own, though in his heart it's all he can wish for.
As the years go by, Quin DOES become, little by little, a part of the family and he is content at that. Not looking for anything more. He doesn't need a partner or anyone really as long as he is a part of the Robbins-Grayson clan (including Sammy with his half-siblings). Yet as Dustin Robbins-Grayson, the older of the kids, looks, truly looks at the family photos he sees that though everyone considers Quin family, he always stand to the side and Dustin can't have it anymore. He isn't 14 years old. He is 18 now, and as 3 more years pass, he realizes NOW is the time to CLAIM his Quin, the one he has been longing for ever since he realized just HOW important Quin is to him, and not just as a role model, but also as a friend, a confidant, and hopefully one day his lover.
The story begins with Quin coming home sick after his regular summer tour with his two musician friends. He is surprised to find Dustin at his apartment but first things first - getting better. Dustin makes it his utmost priority as well as the rest of the family and Quin is in tears every time he sees their tender caring behavior towards him. His family has abandoned him with no second thoughts. This one is making him feel so welcome in a way his heart can barely stand.
Then we go back a little bit in time and SEE for ourselves how Quin integrated himself into the family. He is SUCH a precious person and after learning about his past, and seeing him through Dustin's eyes I was too left in tears.
When we near the end of our "tour-de-past" and get back right before Quin gets to his tour we see Dustin getting in Quin's face and saying in the clearest way possible - You are mine. MINE. Quin doesn't know how to react but wanting Dustin and everything he has to offer him - unconditional love - slowly breaks his walls down and soon without Quin knowing how it happened (yeah he was sick in the beginning..) they become a real couple. Inseparable. That's when Quin needs to deal with his past. Lucky him, now, unlike when he left all those years ago, he is surrounded by a new loving family who is NOT going to give him up or let anything happen to him.
I can write for HOURS about this book. It was SO SO SO beautiful. I HIGHLY recommend it. "Sadly" I can't truly recommend it on it's own because with the amount of characters you'd simply get lost.. So do yourselves a favor and start with the first in the series and enjoy your way up to the very last (for now) which is also, in my opinion, the very best.
HIGHLY recommended!
More Reviews HERE
July 18, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
I don’t know what more I can say about A Fool and His Manny other than I loved it. I loved every sentence from beginning to end. I got sucked into the story right away, and it held my attention until it was over. In fact, I read it in one sitting, no breaks. I just didn’t want to put it down, and when I finished, I was a little sad because I wanted it to keep going forever.
I’m sure I don’t have to tell you I fell in love with Quinlan and Dustin right away. In the beginning, Quin wasn’t sure he was up to the task of taking care of six children and Dustin was upset to be losing time with the previous manny. The official blurb calls him “surly”and that suits him. Then there is an event at school that cements their relationship and I thought it was the perfect way to bring them into the same orbit. Quin realizes he’s pretty good at the manny thing and Dustin realizes Quin can be the confidante he needs. Don’t ask me what the event was. I’d rather you read the book and find out for yourself. It’s excellent.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
I don’t know what more I can say about A Fool and His Manny other than I loved it. I loved every sentence from beginning to end. I got sucked into the story right away, and it held my attention until it was over. In fact, I read it in one sitting, no breaks. I just didn’t want to put it down, and when I finished, I was a little sad because I wanted it to keep going forever.
I’m sure I don’t have to tell you I fell in love with Quinlan and Dustin right away. In the beginning, Quin wasn’t sure he was up to the task of taking care of six children and Dustin was upset to be losing time with the previous manny. The official blurb calls him “surly”and that suits him. Then there is an event at school that cements their relationship and I thought it was the perfect way to bring them into the same orbit. Quin realizes he’s pretty good at the manny thing and Dustin realizes Quin can be the confidante he needs. Don’t ask me what the event was. I’d rather you read the book and find out for yourself. It’s excellent.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
June 6, 2018
Wonderful! Full review to follow
I adored this couple! I loved the idea of the younger guy who falls for his “nanny” but ends up getting him! He was just the right amount of contrite and then bossy to really flip all my switches and he felt authentic to me.
The romance moved at a very low angst, steady pace and I loved seeing all the familiar faces. While this is definitely a good standalone, it’s better if you’ve read the others before it.
Watching Dusty move from kid through to adult was just right, too. Enough of the kid stuff for him to feel “real” but not so much that it was weird seeing him as an adult.
If you’re a fan of the author, the series or “mannies” this is for you! If you’re in the mood for a sweet “coming of age” book – I think this is wonderful for that purpose, too.
As for the upcoming audio: I don’t want this to sound like John Solo isn’t good – he is! – but I sure do wish we could have Nick Russo or Gomez for this series as well – I’d love that so much!
5 of 5 stars
I adored this couple! I loved the idea of the younger guy who falls for his “nanny” but ends up getting him! He was just the right amount of contrite and then bossy to really flip all my switches and he felt authentic to me.
The romance moved at a very low angst, steady pace and I loved seeing all the familiar faces. While this is definitely a good standalone, it’s better if you’ve read the others before it.
Watching Dusty move from kid through to adult was just right, too. Enough of the kid stuff for him to feel “real” but not so much that it was weird seeing him as an adult.
If you’re a fan of the author, the series or “mannies” this is for you! If you’re in the mood for a sweet “coming of age” book – I think this is wonderful for that purpose, too.
As for the upcoming audio: I don’t want this to sound like John Solo isn’t good – he is! – but I sure do wish we could have Nick Russo or Gomez for this series as well – I’d love that so much!
5 of 5 stars
July 21, 2018
I've discovered that this author in quirky-mode is not for me :-/! More thoughts to come, I just need to organize exactly what I disliked about this book (since there was a lot) :-/!!
January 26, 2019
4.5 stars rounded own because still no 1/2 stars here on GR...full review to follow soonish!
For me this was more a case of...
A Manny and his Grump, more so than 'A Fool and His Manny' but no matter what you call it this was a totally enjoyable story.
Amy Lane is another one of those authors who just never fails to delight me. I've been enjoying this series on audio and while I have to admit there is one that I haven't listened to the audio yet, I'm feeling fairly comfortable saying that this one...right here is my absolute favorite of the series...not that I haven't enjoyed them all, just that I've enjoyed this one more than the rest.
While you could probably read this book without reading all of the other stories...I would strongly recommend books 1 and 3 at the very least and I say this based on the fact that book 2 is the one that I missed and while I wish I hadn't I can also say that I had no problems following the story in this one or knowing who was who because there are a number of characters from the previous stories in this one.
First off there's Quinlan (ir Q as Dustin likes to call him)...he's one of the MCs in this book but he's also Sammy's best friend and we met him in a previous story and it's Sammy who helps Quinlan get the job as manny to Nica and Jacob's six children...one of whom happens to be the grouchy Dustin a 14 year old with an attitude...cause this is a rare creature...NOT!!!
So here we are a few years down the road Q's settled in to his position as Manny for the Robbins-Grayson family and whether he realizes it or not that same family has taken him not only into their home but he's securely entrenched in their hearts as well. Especially that of the no longer 14 year old Dustin.
Dustin's quietly watched Q from the sidelines for years and he's been paying attention to all the things that Q's done quietly and without hesitation over the years to help make his family work but he's seen more than that. He's also seen the pain, loneliness and heartache that Q's tried to hide over the years and as he grows and watches he begins to realize that he wants to be the one to care for Q, to soothe his heartache and ease his pain. Finally the day comes and Dustin's decided that he needs to make his move.
While this may sound off-putting to some there are a couple of things that factor into the dynamics and made a world of difference for me...
1. There's only a 6 year age difference between Q and Dustin.
2. Dustin's the one who makes the first move and when he does he's around 20 years old and initially Q is a bit resistant to a relationship between the two men and make no mistake bout this by the time things happen between these two...Dustin is definitely an adult.
3. Everyone should have a Dustin in their life. (kidding...well maybe not).
For the most part I've found all of the characters in these stories to be absolutely delightful but Dustin and Q are just so damned perfect together. The care and consideration that Dustin gives to Q might have let me a melted puddle of goo on more than one occasion and Q...damn, I want to be his momma...because he got so freaking short changed in the parent department it was just heartbreaking.
There was honestly only one thing about this story that I really didn't like...passionately didn't like and that was Qs mother...she's getting added to my 'whack a biotch game' ...because DAMN that woman was rage inducing!!! I could rant about her for more than a few paragraphs but I'll spare you all the rage and just say 'read the story!' then we can rage together.
'A Fool and His Manny' is my fourth audio book narrated by Kenneth Obi and as with the previous stories he's definitely done this one justice. I like the level of depth and emotion that his narration brings to a story giving it a balance that's not always achieved on audio books with the voices conveying just enough emotion to draw the listener in without it being too much or too little. It's a balancing act and Mr. Obi seems to be mastering it quite nicely.
Amy Lane does something that few other authors can do...she creates a world that has a place for everyone...a place where they can be safe, loved and sheltered. Where even if the family you want isn't the one you were given you can have the family you want and the love we all deserve. It's not an impossible thing...just a thing that doesn't exist...yet.
I could probably put together a nice long list of everything that I loved about this story or I could just say that I loved everything about this story...however, I did especially love Dustin and Q and the ending...one of the best endings because yes...it was an absolutely perfect HEA.
*************************
An audio book of 'A Fool and His Manny' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
For me this was more a case of...
A Manny and his Grump, more so than 'A Fool and His Manny' but no matter what you call it this was a totally enjoyable story.
Amy Lane is another one of those authors who just never fails to delight me. I've been enjoying this series on audio and while I have to admit there is one that I haven't listened to the audio yet, I'm feeling fairly comfortable saying that this one...right here is my absolute favorite of the series...not that I haven't enjoyed them all, just that I've enjoyed this one more than the rest.
While you could probably read this book without reading all of the other stories...I would strongly recommend books 1 and 3 at the very least and I say this based on the fact that book 2 is the one that I missed and while I wish I hadn't I can also say that I had no problems following the story in this one or knowing who was who because there are a number of characters from the previous stories in this one.
First off there's Quinlan (ir Q as Dustin likes to call him)...he's one of the MCs in this book but he's also Sammy's best friend and we met him in a previous story and it's Sammy who helps Quinlan get the job as manny to Nica and Jacob's six children...one of whom happens to be the grouchy Dustin a 14 year old with an attitude...cause this is a rare creature...NOT!!!
So here we are a few years down the road Q's settled in to his position as Manny for the Robbins-Grayson family and whether he realizes it or not that same family has taken him not only into their home but he's securely entrenched in their hearts as well. Especially that of the no longer 14 year old Dustin.
Dustin's quietly watched Q from the sidelines for years and he's been paying attention to all the things that Q's done quietly and without hesitation over the years to help make his family work but he's seen more than that. He's also seen the pain, loneliness and heartache that Q's tried to hide over the years and as he grows and watches he begins to realize that he wants to be the one to care for Q, to soothe his heartache and ease his pain. Finally the day comes and Dustin's decided that he needs to make his move.
While this may sound off-putting to some there are a couple of things that factor into the dynamics and made a world of difference for me...
1. There's only a 6 year age difference between Q and Dustin.
2. Dustin's the one who makes the first move and when he does he's around 20 years old and initially Q is a bit resistant to a relationship between the two men and make no mistake bout this by the time things happen between these two...Dustin is definitely an adult.
3. Everyone should have a Dustin in their life. (kidding...well maybe not).
For the most part I've found all of the characters in these stories to be absolutely delightful but Dustin and Q are just so damned perfect together. The care and consideration that Dustin gives to Q might have let me a melted puddle of goo on more than one occasion and Q...damn, I want to be his momma...because he got so freaking short changed in the parent department it was just heartbreaking.
There was honestly only one thing about this story that I really didn't like...passionately didn't like and that was Qs mother...she's getting added to my 'whack a biotch game' ...because DAMN that woman was rage inducing!!! I could rant about her for more than a few paragraphs but I'll spare you all the rage and just say 'read the story!' then we can rage together.
'A Fool and His Manny' is my fourth audio book narrated by Kenneth Obi and as with the previous stories he's definitely done this one justice. I like the level of depth and emotion that his narration brings to a story giving it a balance that's not always achieved on audio books with the voices conveying just enough emotion to draw the listener in without it being too much or too little. It's a balancing act and Mr. Obi seems to be mastering it quite nicely.
Amy Lane does something that few other authors can do...she creates a world that has a place for everyone...a place where they can be safe, loved and sheltered. Where even if the family you want isn't the one you were given you can have the family you want and the love we all deserve. It's not an impossible thing...just a thing that doesn't exist...yet.
I could probably put together a nice long list of everything that I loved about this story or I could just say that I loved everything about this story...however, I did especially love Dustin and Q and the ending...one of the best endings because yes...it was an absolutely perfect HEA.
*************************
An audio book of 'A Fool and His Manny' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2018
In my opinion, this is the best of the Mannies series and one of my favorite Amy Lane stories. As the author states in her promo, her work is divided into three flavors: alt universe, angst, and sunshine-yellow happy. Well, color this one bright sunshine because it was one of those stories that grabbed me from the first chapter and pulled me through to the end when the very clueless Quinlan Gregory realizes just how very loveable and needed he is.
Quinlan was kicked out by his wealthy parents when he announced he was gay. He had a feeling it would happen, so he had all his worldly goods packed and all his finances in order. In fact, the moment he left the house he changed all his passwords so his family couldn’t access his accounts or his trust fund. Good thing too, because years later he found out they’d tried to access them immediately.
Quinlan is Sammy’s college friend and fellow musician, so naturally, kind-hearted Sammy sees being a manny for his aunt’s brood is the perfect job for Quin, and the timing is perfect since Taylor is getting married and leaving the position. Though he knows nothing about being a manny, he really wants to be a part of the world of this close-knit family—a world so far from the cold, lonely life he left behind. When he spots Dusty, the oldest, and boldest, of the kids, acting out and assuming the role of family troublemaker—Quin realizes he can definitely make a positive contribution to the Robbins-Grayson’s lives.
Time passes, and as Quin and Dusty become friends, Dusty bides his time to reach his goal of making Quinlan see him as an adult, an equal, and a mature responsible lover. There aren’t more than six years between them, but Dusty knows he’ll need to be in his twenties before he can actively pursue the man of his dreams. So by the time he’s twenty-one, he starts to make his move, and though it takes more than one attempt, he’s finally in a position to help the kind, caring man when Quin comes home from summer band tour with a bad virus and virtually falls into Dusty’s open arms.
What follows is a courtship that made my heart melt. Dusty is the perfect mate for Quin and he sets out to prove it as Quin receives news his father has died and his mother is again attempting to access Quin’s money.
The most outstanding feature of this story is the character development and family interactions. These are real people in a large, happy family composed of those both born into, and folded into, their collective arms. Dusty’s character was a surprise on the one hand, but knowing his parents, it shouldn’t have been. He’s very much like his father in temperament and he’s goal-driven like his mother with an attitude that proves good things come to those who wait.
I laughed and I cried with Quin and Dusty, and I wallowed in the pure enjoyment of seeing where Channing and Tino are in their relationship, as well as where Sammy and Cooper are in theirs. Quin’s reaction to Sammy’s good news was spot-on and showed just what a wonderful friend and caring character he is. There’s so much to this story, it’s hard to pick a favorite segment, and conversely, it’s almost impossible to pick something I didn’t like—other than the evil, cold-hearted woman who birthed Quin, of course. And to be honest, to make the story work, she needed to be exactly the way she was.
I wouldn’t recommend this book as a standalone, purely because of the interactions with the other characters in the series, but I would highly recommend it to those who’ve read the others, especially books one and three. And to those who haven’t read them—start from the beginning and enjoy this whole series. It’s so worth it.
ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
Quinlan was kicked out by his wealthy parents when he announced he was gay. He had a feeling it would happen, so he had all his worldly goods packed and all his finances in order. In fact, the moment he left the house he changed all his passwords so his family couldn’t access his accounts or his trust fund. Good thing too, because years later he found out they’d tried to access them immediately.
Quinlan is Sammy’s college friend and fellow musician, so naturally, kind-hearted Sammy sees being a manny for his aunt’s brood is the perfect job for Quin, and the timing is perfect since Taylor is getting married and leaving the position. Though he knows nothing about being a manny, he really wants to be a part of the world of this close-knit family—a world so far from the cold, lonely life he left behind. When he spots Dusty, the oldest, and boldest, of the kids, acting out and assuming the role of family troublemaker—Quin realizes he can definitely make a positive contribution to the Robbins-Grayson’s lives.
Time passes, and as Quin and Dusty become friends, Dusty bides his time to reach his goal of making Quinlan see him as an adult, an equal, and a mature responsible lover. There aren’t more than six years between them, but Dusty knows he’ll need to be in his twenties before he can actively pursue the man of his dreams. So by the time he’s twenty-one, he starts to make his move, and though it takes more than one attempt, he’s finally in a position to help the kind, caring man when Quin comes home from summer band tour with a bad virus and virtually falls into Dusty’s open arms.
What follows is a courtship that made my heart melt. Dusty is the perfect mate for Quin and he sets out to prove it as Quin receives news his father has died and his mother is again attempting to access Quin’s money.
The most outstanding feature of this story is the character development and family interactions. These are real people in a large, happy family composed of those both born into, and folded into, their collective arms. Dusty’s character was a surprise on the one hand, but knowing his parents, it shouldn’t have been. He’s very much like his father in temperament and he’s goal-driven like his mother with an attitude that proves good things come to those who wait.
I laughed and I cried with Quin and Dusty, and I wallowed in the pure enjoyment of seeing where Channing and Tino are in their relationship, as well as where Sammy and Cooper are in theirs. Quin’s reaction to Sammy’s good news was spot-on and showed just what a wonderful friend and caring character he is. There’s so much to this story, it’s hard to pick a favorite segment, and conversely, it’s almost impossible to pick something I didn’t like—other than the evil, cold-hearted woman who birthed Quin, of course. And to be honest, to make the story work, she needed to be exactly the way she was.
I wouldn’t recommend this book as a standalone, purely because of the interactions with the other characters in the series, but I would highly recommend it to those who’ve read the others, especially books one and three. And to those who haven’t read them—start from the beginning and enjoy this whole series. It’s so worth it.
ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
July 18, 2019
That was really enjoyable. I didn't realize until I was about halfway done listening that I wasn't starting at the beginning of the series. Now I have to know how it all began.
July 17, 2018
“Quinlan liked to think he was an outsider here. An outsider everywhere. Dustin’s job was to convince him he was only an outsider in his own heart.”
‘A Fool and His Manny’ is the fourth and final installment in ‘The Mannies’ series by Amy Lane. I’m thrilled that the focus is on a child of Nica and Jacob’s and the friend of Sammy’s who ended up as their manny. It’s been seven years since the end of the previous installment and luckily for Nica and Jacob, God hasn’t seen fit to bless them with a seventh... so far. Trust me when I say it’s best to read these books in order as there is a LOT of family background and co-mingling as the Robbins-Grayson and Robbins-Lowell clans are tight as ticks on a hound.
Quinlan is Sammy’s good friend and he became the manny after meeting Jacob and Nica. Quinlan was on the bus tour of musicians in the college ensemble going cross-country that Sammy ended up having to leave due to his anemia and Quinlan, and some friends, played at Taylor and Brandon’s wedding. That’s the first time Quinlan met Dustin, a fourteen-year-old obnoxious teenager, riding herd on his five younger siblings. Quinlan is an only child so the idea of taking care of six kids is almost more than he can handle... except the pay is excellent, the hours are fantastic, and, really, how bad could it be?
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
‘A Fool and His Manny’ is the fourth and final installment in ‘The Mannies’ series by Amy Lane. I’m thrilled that the focus is on a child of Nica and Jacob’s and the friend of Sammy’s who ended up as their manny. It’s been seven years since the end of the previous installment and luckily for Nica and Jacob, God hasn’t seen fit to bless them with a seventh... so far. Trust me when I say it’s best to read these books in order as there is a LOT of family background and co-mingling as the Robbins-Grayson and Robbins-Lowell clans are tight as ticks on a hound.
Quinlan is Sammy’s good friend and he became the manny after meeting Jacob and Nica. Quinlan was on the bus tour of musicians in the college ensemble going cross-country that Sammy ended up having to leave due to his anemia and Quinlan, and some friends, played at Taylor and Brandon’s wedding. That’s the first time Quinlan met Dustin, a fourteen-year-old obnoxious teenager, riding herd on his five younger siblings. Quinlan is an only child so the idea of taking care of six kids is almost more than he can handle... except the pay is excellent, the hours are fantastic, and, really, how bad could it be?
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
September 5, 2019
Sooo good! I couldn't put it down! It was so heartfelt, sexy, full of family love! I loved the journey of 14 year old Dusty and how he slowly fell in love with his nanny Quin. Not only was it a journey full of hot sexual tension, but so much love and much needed support for poor lonely Quin. I picked this up because it was free on Audible Escapes, but I so have to buy the rest of the series now.
July 25, 2018
FANTASTIC BOOK!!!
January 31, 2019
Really loved this addition to The Mannies series. Definitely not a standalone, and I did have some trouble remember just who everyone was. However, Dustin and Quinlan were just so lovely together.
July 28, 2019
Damn sweet
June 7, 2020
Not sure why it was called a Fool and his Manny. If anyone was a fool, it was the Manny. Dusty was very wise for his age. At any rate, it was a cute story and the audio was well done.
April 28, 2019
I read about 30% of A FOOL AND HIS MANNY by Amy Lane. This is a finalist in the contemporary: short category. At the beginning of the book, Quinlan is 27 and Dustin is 21. But Quin has been the nanny to Dustin and his siblings for the past seven years. Now, there is a long storied history of the guardian/ward trope in romance, but I think it is harder than ever to pull off.
In this case, the author makes an interesting choice. Quin's been away for a few months (he's a musician who travels while the kids are on summer vacation), and he returns to find Dusty masturbating in his bed. Quin's sick, Dusty takes care of him, then It's the 4% mark, there is a flashback in time to when Quin at 20 first agrees to be the nanny. Dusty is 14. And this flashback, which lasts until the 40% mark, goes through some key parts of their nanny/child relationship.
My guess is that the author wanted to show that Quin did not feel a hint of sexual attraction towards Dusty when he was young, in fact, only after Dusty is 21 do we see DUSTY as the one who recognizes his own feelings and flat out tells Quin that he's interested in him. But, that flashback also has 20 year old Quin coming to pick up 14 year old Dusty from the middle school principal's office after tangling with a bully, all I could think was--I don't want this in an adult romance. I don't want THIS CHILD to be the hero later. At this point, I'd like to remind you that I am a middle school teacher. As soon as that happened, I was out in a big way. Others might not have this response, and that's fine, too.
But, I think it's a cautionary tale to writers tackling guardian/ward romances. in the past, maybe it was a more trusting time, and readers would believe that there was no sexual impropriety towards a child. But in 2019 when there are so many scandals about sexual abuse of children, a guardian/ward romance probably has no choice but to make it clear that NOTHING HAPPENED when the ward was a child... but... I don't know if it can be done in a way that is ever going to work for me.
Verdict: DNF. This is a trope that has always been and will always be a problem for me because of my job. I appreciate the author's attempt to try and make it work, but I just couldn't do it. YMMV.
Copied & Pasted from Twitter as part of a project where I'm reviewing the 2019 RITA finalists.
In this case, the author makes an interesting choice. Quin's been away for a few months (he's a musician who travels while the kids are on summer vacation), and he returns to find Dusty masturbating in his bed. Quin's sick, Dusty takes care of him, then It's the 4% mark, there is a flashback in time to when Quin at 20 first agrees to be the nanny. Dusty is 14. And this flashback, which lasts until the 40% mark, goes through some key parts of their nanny/child relationship.
My guess is that the author wanted to show that Quin did not feel a hint of sexual attraction towards Dusty when he was young, in fact, only after Dusty is 21 do we see DUSTY as the one who recognizes his own feelings and flat out tells Quin that he's interested in him. But, that flashback also has 20 year old Quin coming to pick up 14 year old Dusty from the middle school principal's office after tangling with a bully, all I could think was--I don't want this in an adult romance. I don't want THIS CHILD to be the hero later. At this point, I'd like to remind you that I am a middle school teacher. As soon as that happened, I was out in a big way. Others might not have this response, and that's fine, too.
But, I think it's a cautionary tale to writers tackling guardian/ward romances. in the past, maybe it was a more trusting time, and readers would believe that there was no sexual impropriety towards a child. But in 2019 when there are so many scandals about sexual abuse of children, a guardian/ward romance probably has no choice but to make it clear that NOTHING HAPPENED when the ward was a child... but... I don't know if it can be done in a way that is ever going to work for me.
Verdict: DNF. This is a trope that has always been and will always be a problem for me because of my job. I appreciate the author's attempt to try and make it work, but I just couldn't do it. YMMV.
Copied & Pasted from Twitter as part of a project where I'm reviewing the 2019 RITA finalists.
July 17, 2018
If you're looking for gentle, fluffy contemporary romance, look no further than Amy Lane's The Mannies series. I've loved every one of these books, but I have to say, I think this was the fluffiest and loveliest yet.
Quinlan, the manny of the Robbins-Grayson family, is a lost soul. Not in any huge dramatic sense, but in the sense that he doesn't feel like he fits anywhere. He seems a little off centre when everyone else knows instinctively where the middle is, and even though everyone in the family adores him, he keeps himself separate to protect his bruised heart.
In contrast, Dusty -- one of the kids Quinlan used to look after but who's now 21 and grown -- knows exactly where he fits and what he wants from life (a HEA with Quinlan). And he's willing to be as patient as he needs to be to convince Quinlan that he had a home with Dusty and his extended family forever.
The romance was light and lovely, and the subplot did a fantastic job of enhancing the thread of "found family" that's resonated throughout this entire series. I highly recommend A Fool and His Manny and all of the other books in the series.
Quinlan, the manny of the Robbins-Grayson family, is a lost soul. Not in any huge dramatic sense, but in the sense that he doesn't feel like he fits anywhere. He seems a little off centre when everyone else knows instinctively where the middle is, and even though everyone in the family adores him, he keeps himself separate to protect his bruised heart.
In contrast, Dusty -- one of the kids Quinlan used to look after but who's now 21 and grown -- knows exactly where he fits and what he wants from life (a HEA with Quinlan). And he's willing to be as patient as he needs to be to convince Quinlan that he had a home with Dusty and his extended family forever.
The romance was light and lovely, and the subplot did a fantastic job of enhancing the thread of "found family" that's resonated throughout this entire series. I highly recommend A Fool and His Manny and all of the other books in the series.
February 12, 2022
I loved this book. I was expecting a streamy romance, which it was, but it was so much more. This book had a strong family element that made it even better. I think I loved the family dynamic the most. It made it emotional, and added in quite a bit of humor. Someone in the book describes Dustin as growly but romantic, and it was the perfect description. I really enjoyed his character, his determination, and how well he paired with Quinlan. I really can't imagine one without the other. I haven't read the other books in this series, and thought this worked perfectly fine as a stand alone. However, I do want to check out the other books because the family dynamic was magnificent. I want more of it.
November 21, 2025
This book is perfect, as perfect as I wanted it to be.
I'm glad that I read it in a perfect time.
Mood.
I'm not sorry I read it three years late. Knowing that Dustin and Quinlan (OMG this a little bit forbidden but NOT), I just can't made up my mind about this. But whatever.
Dusty is what's Quin needed. Someone strong, a little bit naughty, and adored him endlessly.
My cold black heart was a little warmer reading about them.
And the family? When Nica said Quin is her son? I'm sold!
Solid five stars from me!
I'm glad that I read it in a perfect time.
Mood.
I'm not sorry I read it three years late. Knowing that Dustin and Quinlan (OMG this a little bit forbidden but NOT), I just can't made up my mind about this. But whatever.
Dusty is what's Quin needed. Someone strong, a little bit naughty, and adored him endlessly.
My cold black heart was a little warmer reading about them.
And the family? When Nica said Quin is her son? I'm sold!
Solid five stars from me!
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